Protect the defenceless and the voiceless

Every country must join together to overcome this transnational threat by supporting and protecting victims while pursuing and prosecuting the criminals- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Trafficking in persons is a significant crime and a grave violation of human rights. Trafficking is often overlooked by many countries since this scourge tends to happen to those who are defenceless and voiceless in the society.

Each year human traffickers become more creative in luring men, women and children into this multi-billion industry. Disturbingly, the very young are at particular risk, especially our girls since it is estimated that 21 per cent of all trafficked persons are girls. Most if not all of these trafficked girls often end up as sex slaves across all regions of the world.

The promise of a better life, low self-esteem and little or no family support is usually at the genesis explaining the relative ease our young and vulnerable people are caught up in a life of forced labour, including prostitution. .

According to the United Nations more than 2.5 million people are trapped in modern-day slavery. Alarmingly, human trafficking is often done in the open and conducted by those we least expect to be involved.

In 2010, the United Nations, General Assembly adopted the Global Plan of Action to combat trafficking in persons, urging governments worldwide to take coordinated and consistent measures to defeat this scourge.

On this World Day (July 30) against Trafficking in Persons governments worldwide must re-double their efforts to eradicate this form of modern day slavery. In spite of the economic constraints we are currently experiencing more resources must be found to effectively tackle those who trade in human beings. Human trafficking has no place in a modern day society, and as such we must do more to empower our women and children especially in order to keep them safe and ensure our future as a progressive society.